For so, when once a common shipwreck had overtaken the whole world, and our race was in danger of perishing, this creature appeared, and indicated the deliverance from the tempest, and bearing an olive branch.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 12 on Matthew 3, 4th Century


Watch yourselves - your passions especially - in your home life, where they appear freely, like moles in a safe place
-St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ, Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pg. 33, 19th century


Why were the heavens opened? To inform you that at your baptism also this is done, God calling thee to your country on high.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 12 on Matthew 3, 4th Century


Christ is illumined, let us shine forth with Him. Christ is baptized, let us descend with Him that we may also ascend with Him.
-St. Gregory the Theologian, Oration on the Holy Lights, Epiphany 381, 10-16., 4th Century